Restoring the base and cabinet on an antique Singer treadle sewing machine. Part 1
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- Опубліковано 23 січ 2020
- This is a 3 part series on the restoration of an antique Singer treadle sewing machine base and cabinet. In this video we assess, disassemble and tackle the cast iron work. Hope you enjoy it!
- Навчання та стиль
I will get all three parts uploaded today. This was a great project with a great end result. Enjoy!
I'm 23 and recently inherited a 105 year old machine. These videos are helping me get it back in working order! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge
Me too!
Wow, Iam 24 and Iam doing same thing 😅
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!
I cannot possibly express how truly thankful and appreciative I am for your hard work and dedication in creating these in depth videos and sharing, in minute detail, the step by step process of restoring these beautiful machines.
This morning my grandmother's cabinet sewing machine was finally returned to me after a long, complicated separation. The machine is a 1916 model, it appears to be exactly the same as the machine in this video except for it's flip down drawer (which, for 30 years I actually had no idea even existed until now!).. Luckily enough I have the original user manual that came with the machine, and apart from what I believe are oil stains and it's binding becoming slightly tattered, it is still intact and fully legible. The machine/cabinet all seem to still have their original factory parts. There's absolutely no rusting, even the wheels still miraculously work without any visible build up of debris or damage to their fastenings.. It's truly remarkable, that despite all it's been through over a hundred+ years that it is in such good condition. However, the cabinet has unfortunately incurred a whole host of superficial damages while out of my care. Damages that just a few hours ago I was at an utter loss as to how I could possibly even begin to fix... Until I found this video and your channel! While I'm not confident enough in my abilities to try anything just yet, your channel seems to be the perfect tipping off point to begin educating myself. Your catalogue of videos serve as an absolutely invaluable resource on the subject of refurbishing antique Singer machines, and I truly cannot thank you enough for making them!!
Thank you for your kind words and I'm happy these were of value to you. Good luck with your projects!
Planning on restoring the 1913 Singer I got this weekend (got it for $10, working and beautiful just worn!) , so this is super helpful!
So glad to find this set of videos, I have the exact cabinet (there are several types of cabinets). I took it apart refinished it and couldn’t remember how to put it back together 😂. Thanks from a former Ball Ground rock head
Love your Westie!
Thank you for posting this video! Great video. I have the one with a flip down drawer. I would love to get it working again. My granny used it to make my dad's clothes as a child.
Love this Larry please keep showing the world how it’s done
I llike you talking. My mother and daddy had a couple of these. They took the treadle off one and left it on the other. I just loved those tables they ended up making out of these old sewing machines. I wish I would have brought one back to our home now.
Happy New Year Larry nice to see your back with us. AD
It's so satisfying to see this machine being rehabilitated! Well done!
Many thanks!
I wouldn't have painted the cast iron. It was beautiful the way it was. I'm sure it was beautiful when the project was done. Wonderful job.
Thanks for the detailed disassembly and showing us how to restore this timeless item. My wife and I are just beginning our adventure in the world of the Singer and I found your video very helpful. I will watch part two! Greetings from California
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and good luck with your project. I think I have 4 Singer projects up on the channel, so if you have a question, if you search around in those video series, you may find your answer. Good luck and have fun.
I recently decided start a project a moderately productive back to the lander suggested years ago. Converting this same setup into a metal lathe.
Wish me luck.
Good luck!
I was thrilled to see this video. I have the exact same machine that has been handed down from my Great Great Grandmother. I finally have time to pull it apart and clean it. The bolt and nut assembly on the fly wheel was different on mine. Whomever put it together had the nut on the top of the screw in tapering bolt. It was much easier to get off. In fact, I’m assuming because it has been working through the generations, it has been super easy to take apart. With your tutelage, it has been such a fun project. I have the plain cabinet that hasn’t held up as well and my machine has been maintained by a sewing machine specialist. It is a very special piece to me. Thank you again for getting me started. I don’t look forward to the cabinet piece of the project.
Thank you for this excellent tutorial, just found one at the thrift store and can’t wait to restore it!!!!
Great. Have fun and good luck with it!
A lot of sincere comments/ helps/ concerns! You are lived! This is my first observance of you and your gift! WOW Almost unbelievable! I would have to photo every move to get it un done, hah, first have to have tools and then intelligence, expertise, diligence, I'm not that smart! I did figure out how to oil , grease , and work the 1910 Singer treadle machine, oh And I even had to put a leather belt on it, and I was thrilled hmmm, well my cabinet needs almost what you did here! I'll never get it accomplished, not strong enough either! You sir are brilliant! Thank you for sharing this with all of us! May you stay safe healthy and content all of your days!
I have one very similar to this. It was my mother's. Excellent tutorial on how to restore and repair. Thank you for sharing. Great work.
You are welcome!
I find myself watching this series over and over. learn something new every time. thank you.
So nice of you
Great job!
I inherited one of these. It's been in my closet for 3 years. I didn't want to put it in the basement because it floods. It's in rough shape. It belonged to my husband's grandmother's grandmother. I'm thinking of trying to restore it. Thanks for your video.
I am looking for one such but a little fit in the table surface. so handy and space saving thankyou
Totally outstanding video, great job. Subscribed!
Hi from the UK - Ive got my great Gramdmas, with the sewing machine, ready to renovate - MANY thanks for this excellent tutorial, gives me a sound starting point - I am really looking forward to bringing this old girl back to her original beauty. Trying to source a new laminate here in the UK is a nightmare but I'm in no rush :)
You are so welcome!
Thank you... A really helpful video 👍
I'm actually watching this for preliminary research on if I should try to restore my 1869 singer treadle sewing machine myself or take it to someone. The cradle got busted when it got shipped at some point so I'm trying to see what can be done to fix it. Really hoping it goes well! These videos are a lot of help and a great source of information!
Nostalgia here. In the 50's I helped my Dad convert these to electric, or put the electric head in a portable box. We destroyed scores of these treadle cabinets and sold them for junk. The metal was hard to break up. One never knows, does one?
No. Times and tastes change. For awhile it was popular to make tables out of the bases. They seem pretty unpopular now. Unfortunately, these machines have little real value outside of sentimental value to owners and to a small group of sewing enthusiasts who still treasure them. They certainly are beautiful and a wonderful reminder of our past, however. Thanks for watching.
Love your channel! Your tutorials are easy to follow. I have an 'auto lift' cabinet that needs adjusting. I can find no help on the chain refurbish and adjustment
Can you tell me what type sprayer and paint you use?
Great job, Larry!!! One of my cabinets is from 1886 and it has a wooden pitman also. Those are much rarer than the metal ones, I don't think the metal ones are cast iron. The base looks great, I'm looking forward to seeing the entire project. 🐇 Here's a bunny for Stewie to chase. 😉
Stuart says thanks! I picked up one at a house clean-up last year. The machine is from 1923, but the cabinet is a 6 drawer with the carved drawer fronts and it has the wooden pitman arm, so I assume the machine was a replacement. Not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, so it sits in storage along with about a million others around the world. Best to you and yours!
Obrigada, ótima vídeo
It amazes me that every kid on those the veneer is peeling up mine included
Mine has slides also has the machine still in the cabinet and it was made in 1904. I found serial numbers on the machine and called the singer company and they were able to tell me based on the serial numbers the year it was made im getting ready to restore mine which belonged to my great grandparents who i never got to meet!!!
I've just been restoring the metal base of my mother's old Singer machine and boy, I wish I had a paint air gun. I had to hand paint it, and it's never as smooth and even as I'd like it to be, which makes me a little sad. But at least it's not covered in rust anymore!
Right up my Alley- have done three of these treadles- a fourth waiting up in the attic.
I rebuild the Machines also. Decals are a pain though. Good stuff!
That's great! Wishing you continued success. Best regards!
What state are you in?
Joseph Troyer Hi Joseph, I have a machine ( white manufactured ) “Mason Rotary Special”. Have you any experience with them? The machine has two broken springs and I was wondering if you might have some spare parts? Any help would be appreciated.
Biommac122
biomac122@gmail.com
Ever tried CRC rost flash spray?? It freezes the rusted bolts to minus 40 degrees celsius to brake the rust. Made to use in places where heat is no no. Cheers from finland !!!
I just clean the cast iron base and spray it with Rust oleum rust converter.
Is there somewhere that the typical sized bolts, screws and wheels are listed? I’m looking to restore a base only and want to do it right the first time.
Thanks for the indepth videos! I’ve already ordered some rub n buff
That was meant to say you are loved!
Thank you for the video. I have a question, what type of wood is the cabinet? Is it pine? And also what type of wood is the plywood and veneer? Thanks
I have learnt so much from watching your previous Singer restorations and have now completed four projects myself. Will you be doing the gold paint I suppose that I will get the answer to that when I have watched the next episodes!!
Keep up the good work of making everything old new again
Cheers Terence from Oz
That is wonderful to hear! Good for you. No, at the owner's request, no gold paint on this one.
What do you recommend to use to polish the metal part of the table, when is not that rusty?
If u can I'd like to see u fix one that has the auto lift in it I have one I'm working on but not sure how parts of cabinet go together to make it work
Could you tell me the length of the 4 screws that hold the iron base to the wooden cabinet top? I just opened an antique cabinet/treadle that was bought in 1999 and never used but it doesn't seem to have those screws. All other screws and bolts were in their respective holes on the iron base except those.
After wirebrushing, is it good to clean with detergent soap or any better cleaner
Tyfs!
Have you ever restored one with a broken treadle? I have one that the foot treadle is broken in two.
I have it zip tied, but really would like to do it right. Ours is also circa 1904/1905. It's a Singer made by the White Company.
What was the acetone used for? Do these machines from early 1900s have lead based paint?
Good safety measures and gave me a good idea of what is involved in restoring to working order. I'm restoring one but I don't need it to work.
What a bout your white doggie? did it get black paint on it?? :)
Larry, How do I determine the type of wood vaneer is on my singer 1908 model 101 sewing machine. I have to replace the entire veneer top.
Thanks for your Guidence.
John u
Larry, we have a 1925 Singer sewing maching, no pedal or flywheel, we received this from a friend, who's mom, used this when she was younger but since her mom passed, she had no use for it and gave it to my wife. Wife has no use for it but I am thinking of restoring it, is it worth it, getting pedal and flywheel? It runs great and has all other attachment and original paperwork.
What did you use to replace the missing pin that went through the wheel?
blow torch would be handy for all the thread and fabric gooooo but I don't have one
Does anyone have a recommendation for a NYC restoration place for vintage sewing machines?
@28:41 When you remove the spring is it under power?
Be careful using that sprayer on those small pieces so close to your fingers. My dad managed a paint store. Can’t tell you how many professional painters have missing finger tips. The airless sprayers will inject that paint under your skin. No way to clean it out. No way to prevent infection.
Be careful.
Thank you so much for the videos. I purchased a vintage treadle that is in overall good condition, but could use some rehab after a century. This is my project for the fall and winter.. The wood is so old and must be so dry. How do we best protect it?
It depends on the damage. Refinishing is the best protection, if the wood is bare. Good luck on your project.
I have Westies too!
He's a great little guy. Stuart is his name. He's 10 now.
I am restoring a 1927 Eatonia chain lift (auto drop ) treadle sewing machine. Like fool I cannot remember how the lift mechanism goes onto the cabinet (didn’t take pictures) I have most of it assembled but don’t know how to attach the centre lift bar (chain hooked to centre) to the spring on the side bar but I’ve attached it to the back panel where it screws in. There are two long bars on the ends with holes that look like they should be screwed on somewhere, but I don’t know where. Can you help?? Can’t find info anywhere
Where do I order the veneer? I need to repair a drawer too.
This is so helpful! I have 2 1882 Singer model 12's with wooden pitman arms. one I have to replace. luckily neither have the dress guards but my Singer 127 fun 1927 does. I did notice the tapered screws, so glad I'm re-watching this. Thank you! Is there anything I can put inside of the pitman arm holes (the one I ordered from ebay has holes that are a wee bit larger)??? Some sort of rubber seal or sealant?
Not that I am aware of. If you intend to use the machine frequently, you may want to find another pitman arm which fits better. If you have a machinist nearby, they may be able to press in a bushing or fabricate a sleeve which may take up any slack you have - good luck.
Great video! I really enjoy watching your work.
I have a question regarding the wheels. Did you just paint them as the other pieces? Won't it prevent them from moving? Or have you kept them clean and just protected somehow from rust?
They get wire brushed clean and painted. The paint doesn't bind the axles and I normally put a drop of oil on them at the end. The only issue is the bearing surface of the wheel, where it meets the floor will have the paint wear off, but that is expected.
What type of veneer do I need to buy to restore mine? It is a basic two drawer from 1910. Is it oak/walnut? I heard you say the bottom was sawn oak and you finished to top in a walnut stain.
There was no detail on how to take that huge tension spring apart - only you stated that one must be careful in doing so. Please can you advise how to do this?
Hello Larry, thank you for your cool videos. It motivated me to buy a singer sewing desk and try it myself 😅 In one of your videos I've seen you providing an email address but I can't find it again - would it be possible to contact you with questions? Thank you in advance.
That sizeable dent in the top was caused by the owner leaving the top leaning against the sewing machine.
I see it often. It is also caused by the adjustment on the spring assembly being to loose and the top closing on the machine.
Very impressed. Thank you so much for this series of videos. I do have a couple of questions for you. First, I'm not set up with a workshop like you, nor do I have all your tools! That's fine: I'm happy using hand tools and lots of elbow grease. When I comes to repainting the cast iron, though, my choice will have to be between painting with a brush or using a can of spray paint. Which would you choose - and any recommendations? Second question: the original had the writing on the sides and front picked out in gold. Any thoughts on how to do this? Many thanks, Leila
Sorry: just found your other video where you do the gold trim. I'd still like to know about painting the black without a spray painting machine.
I would use a spray paint such as Rustoleum. I use Rub-n-Buff when I do the gold trim. You could also use a gold paint and apply with a small brush. Good luck!
I’m always amazed at wood pitman arms. What kind of wood is it?
You know, I never really looked. I would assume oak.
Larry, you might not even be monitoring this anymore, but I have a different problem with an antique singer sewing machine cabinet that I am having trouble getting help on. The cabinet was fully restored by my dad about 30 years ago and was functioning well until a move which did something to jam the top cover. I can't get the cover to open up. It is frozen or something. And I can't get the lid off because I can't open it to do so. Tried spraying silicone spray at the chaing and wheel that raise and lower it but can't get in there far enough to get into the parts that are hidden. Any ideas?
Hi Larry, I have a machine that I basically have to rebuild!! The machine was my grandmothers who gave it to my sister and was NOT looked after. Do you have suggestions as to where I might be able to source some plans with dimensions for the wood component as there is not enough existing for me to work on. Thanks in advance for your help. I love watching your videos and have used many of your tips and tricks in my restoration work. Kind regards, Allison 😊
I'm sorry I don't. Maybe a Google search would turn up a Singer group where someone may have some information for you. Also, perhaps you could check at a local antique mall and see if you can find one to measure off of? Good luck with it!
Thanks for the tutorial, as I'm restoring the base, and topping it with a live edge piece...didn't see you remove the wheels from the base?...the wheels function ok without removing for painting?
Yes. They will be fine. The axles are peened over rivets and normally need to be ground or cut off. Replacing them with rivets will provide a heart in mouth moment as you try to pound the rivet end over you are risking snapping off the end of the cast iron base. In the past I have used a 1/4 in bolt and taken the nut to the grinder and rounded it over and then painted the entire thing in place. Good luck.
Please, what singer sewing machine model belongs to this table ?
and , where I can found the model number written on the sewing machine body ?
Thank you for your interesting video
Great video but I didn't see what you did to get the wheels off. Also, after taking the wheels off I would imagine the legs would damage a wood floor so what do you do, use a "coaster" under the legs to protect the floor?
The wheels are on axles which are riveted over on both sides. I grind off one side and remove the axle to get the wheels out. I don't try to re-rivet a new axle in as it's just too easy to crack the cast iron leg during the pounding. I take a 1/4" bolt with a rounded head and put two nuts on the other side. I then grind the nuts until they are round and assemble it with one of the rounded nuts and dab of Lock-Tite thread sealer on it. When painted, you can barely tell the difference. Hope this helps.
Hi, wouldn't repainting and stripping the original machine remove the antique value of the machine? I'm considering cleaning one up but I don't want to remove the historical value in the machine!
I think i missed the repair of the broken cast piece?
Good day sir, do you have a plans or diagram of measurements ,my mother have a ribonette and the table are all torn apart. Im planning to restore it for a christmas gift. Thanks for the video,
No, sorry I don't. Good luck with your project!
What year is this model please?
@lostmountainrestoration Hey Larry I’ve just found a 1917 singer treadle in what looks like ok condition, the wood could use some TLC but probably less than the one in this video, would you say $135 is a good price for it?
It depends on your market. I have seen them for anywhere from $20 to $200, but I'm not sure how well they sell at the upper range of that price. Good luck!
Can you help me find some wheels for the bottom of the stand. I have a friend who has the wheels but I do not think it is a good idea to remove them. Can you offer me some suggestions.
eBay is where I buy most of my Singer parts. The wheels are held on with rivets. They are nearly always ruined when the wheels are removed. I replace them with a 1/4 x 20 bolt, round off the head and nuts on a grinder and paint them black. They work very well as a replacement axle.
Did I miss how you fixed the broken piece of cast? I have a 1905 treadle I plan to restore....just working up the courage to start!
I welded it. I am not a good welder and good welders will braze, not weld, cast iron. I didn't show it because curious people should learn from welders better than I. Thanks for watching and understanding. Best regards.
@@LostMountainRestoration Thanks, I do get it. I have welders in my family too. i really was just curious what you had done if anything to repair that. Lucky me, I don't have to think about that. I have enjoyed your videos though! Thanks for that.
That part you call a cradle is a dress or skirt guard.
Mine is all cast iron. No wood for the base. Also, the whole machine was painted. I don't have a machine to grind the cast iron. What is the best way to hand remove the paint to restore cast iron?
See if you can find a sandblasting service near you. For around $100, they will blast off all of the paint for you.
The bolts on mine are completely stuck. I can’t take anything apart
Try heating them and/or using a penetrating spray like PB Blaster.
What type of paint did you use?
If I remember correctly, I think it was Rustoleum.
@@LostMountainRestoration thank you! I finally got mine to look like yours now!
What about the dog? Don't you have to move him away so his sight is protected? Love your videos, just was worried about the dog when you were blasting the old paint off of the treadle:)